Okanagan Basin Water Board Meeting Agenda DATE: Tuesday, February 6, 2018

TIME: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Regional District of Central Okanagan PLACE: 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna, B.C.

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

2. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR

3. INTRODUCTION OF LATE ITEMS

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

5. BOARD ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION 5.1 OBWB Directors share about the top water issues in their area for 2018.

6. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 6.1 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Okanagan Basin Water Board of December 5, 2017 at Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, Penticton, B.C. (page 1)

7. CHAIR’S REPORT

8. STAFF REPORTS 8.1 Executive Director Report (page 6) 8.2 Water Stewardship Director Report (page 13) (resolution recommended) 8.3 Operations and Grants Manager Report (page 16) 8.3.1 Letter from OBWB to federal government re: invasive mussels response 8.3.2 Letter from OBWB to Invasive Species Council of BC re: invasive mussel response 8.4 Communications Director Report (page 29) 8.4.1 Make Water Work 2017 Wrap-up Report (to be provided at meeting) 8.4.2 Don’t Move A Mussel 2017 Wrap-up Report (to be provided at meeting) 8.5 Policy and Planning Specialist Report (page 31)

9. IN CAMERA 9.1 In-camera session (under sec. 90(2)(b) and 90(1)(k) of the Community Charter)

10. CORRESPONDENCE 10.1 Letter from Southern Interior Local Government Association to B.C. Min. of Environment and Climate Change Strategy re: B.C.’s invasive mussels defence program (page 33) 10.2 Letter from District of Coldstream to B.C. Min. of Environment and Climate Change Strategy re: B.C.’s invasive mussels defence program (page 34)

11. NEXT MEETING 11.1 The next meeting of the Okanagan Basin Water Board will be Tuesday, March 6, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen in Penticton.

12. ADJOURNMENT

Okanagan Basin Water Board Regular meeting February 6, 2018 Agenda No: 6.1

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD HELD DECMBER 5, 2017, AT THE REGIONAL DISTRICT OF OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN 101 MARTIN ST., PENTICTON, B.C.

PRESENT Chair Tracy Gray Regional District Central Okanagan Vice-chair Juliette Cunningham Regional District North Okanagan Director Doug Dirk Regional District North Okanagan Director Rick Fairbairn Regional District North Okanagan Director Doug Findlater Regional District Central Okanagan Director Cindy Fortin Regional District Central Okanagan Director Ron Hovanes Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen Director Sue McKortoff Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen Peter Waterman Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen Director Toby Pike Water Supply Association of BC Director Brian Guy Okanagan Water Stewardship Council

REGRETS Director Lisa Wilson Okanagan Nation Alliance

OBWB STAFF Anna Warwick Sears Executive Director Nelson Jatel Water Stewardship Director James Littley Operations and Grants Manager Corinne Jackson Communications Director

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Gray called the meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. Chair Gray respectfully acknowledged that the meeting was being held on the traditional territory of Okanagan Nation.

2. INTRODUCTIONS OF LATE ITEMS 7.3 News article re: invasive mussel response by other B.C. organizations, and draft letter from OBWB following up with federal government re: their invasive mussel response

3. DELEGATIONS 3.1 Lisa Scott, Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society (OASISS) – Update on 2017 Okanagan Aquatic Invasive Species Program

Ms. Scott provided the board with an overview of OASISS’ invasive mussel outreach efforts in 2017, noting that boater outreach didn’t start until July due to lake flooding and most boaters were off the water until then. Three summer students were hired – one each for the North, Central and South Okanagan. The organization has been looking to diversify its funding sources, she added, saying it has been receiving some funds from the Canada Summer Jobs program but this has been decreasing over the last couple of years. The group would not be able to conduct its work without the funding it receives from OBWB, she said.

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In addition to the invasive mussel outreach, OASISS received two years of federal Eco-Action funding for hands-on work. This year they removed invasive yellow-flag iris which is causing problems in riparian areas and replanted with native plants.

Dir. Dirk entered the meeting at 10:11 a.m.

OBWB funding helped pay for substrate monitors at 14 locations in the Okanagan. Next year, OASISS is looking to expand its effort with local residents launching and monitoring additional ones. The devices are launched in June and monitored until September.

The group also conducts plankton tows at 16 locations. Water samples are sent to a lab and the province reports back the results if they find something of concern. The province has not called which suggests it’s good news so far, added Ms. Scott.

Most of OASISS’ efforts on the mussel issue is outreach to boaters. This year included about 800 such conversations, as well as connections with about 1,400 people at fairs and festivals, and delivery of Don’t Move A Mussel and other outreach materials to 354 locations.

In addition to partnering with OBWB, the society partners with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, RDNO’s water program, Okanagan Nation Alliance, the Vernon Yacht Club, and others.

Responding to questions, Ms. Scott said that the province provided $2,200 for water sampling this year. They also review the survey OASISS conducts with boaters to ensure it is consistent with the province’s questionnaire.

Based on OASISS’ questionnaire results, 131 of the boaters surveyed (94%) were from Alberta, 4 (3%) from Saskatchewan, 1 each from Manitoba, Washington, Montana and Ontario.

Awareness of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and the “Clean, Drain, Dry” call to action is growing, said Ms. Scott. Of those surveyed, 91.6% who identified as being from the North Okanagan were aware, along with 88.7% in the Central Okanagan and 86.4% in the South Okanagan. There was a 60% level of awareness from those who say they are from the Fraser Valley.

Asked where they have heard the AIS and CDD message, those surveyed noted: from previous inspections in B.C. - 19%, Alberta inspections - 2%; TV advertising/news - 14%; boat launches - 8%; highway inspection signs - 6%; highway billboards - 4%; and radio - 6%.

Some of the identified gaps include: lack of funding, not all recreational boaters are stopping at the province’s mandatory inspection stations, there are still Canada Border Services agents who are not fully trained and/or are unclear on their role, and there is a need for more public education. Solutions include: increased communication with boaters, as well as those who service/sell boats, more boat launch signs, links with car washes, workshops and training at boat sale and maintenance locations and dive shops, enhanced partnerships, and increased monitoring.

Ms. Jackson noted that OBWB and OASISS staff work closely together to ensure best coverage possible through the summer months, preventing duplication but also providing additional support when and where needed. She added that staff have identified similar gaps noted by OASISS, in particular provincial and federal funding, and CBSA training, which have been included in recommendations to senior levels of government. It was also noted that the province recently announced that it hopes to have additional monitoring funds available soon through the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.

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Directors spoke in favour of more mussel-sniffing dogs. Dir. Findlater added that the lower awareness levels in the Fraser Valley are not surprising but need to be addressed, as well as the number of infested boats coming from Ontario.

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

“THAT the agenda of the regular meeting of the Okanagan Basin Water Board of December 5, 2017 be approved.” CARRIED

5. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 5.1 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Okanagan Basin Water Board of November 7, 2017 at Regional District of Central Okanagan in Kelowna.

“THAT the minutes of the regular meeting of the Okanagan Basin Water Board of November 7, 2017 at Regional District of Central Okanagan in Kelowna be approved.” CARRIED

6. CHAIR REPORT Chair Gray spoke to the OBWB - UBC Okanagan Community Water Forum which she attended on Nov. 14, looking at a “One Water Approach to the Urban Water Cycle.” The forum looked at the potential challenges with water quality and quantity in the next 10 years, with the needs for agriculture and the valley’s population growth.

7. STAFF REPORTS 7.1 Executive Director Report

Dr. Sears presented the revised board meeting schedule for 2018.

Staff have been working with RDCO, RDNO and City of Kelowna on UBCM floodplain mapping grants. It’s expected that funding decisions will be known in January. Staff are continuing to discuss LiDAR flights with the province. If the funding application is successful, the RFP will go out to do aerial surveys in March while water flows are low.

OBWB has been leading a Water Monitoring Scan project with the BC Water Funders group, to understand the state of water quality and supply monitoring in the province, as well as quality and accessibility of the data. A final consultant’s report should be completed in January.

Dr. Sears updated the board on the Okanagan Falls constructed wetland project, noting that the project will be going ahead in 2018. Treated wastewater will be diverted into the wetland, allowing for another level of treatment before the water is directed into the Okanagan River channel. The OBWB will be assisting RDOS in finding additional funds to develop a boardwalk and signage, promoting the area as an outdoor classroom.

Following discussion of the Executive Director’s report, Dir. Fairbairn suggested that Dr. Sears contact the province regarding its review of this year’s floods and fires. Dr. Sears said she would follow up.

Dir. Guy added that the OBWB should be working with Okanagan Rail Trails group to provide signage that informs the public about water issues. Ms. Jackson noted that she followed up on this suggestion earlier but has not heard back, and added that she raised it at a recent Thompson-Okanagan Tourism Association meeting. Also, staff provided water messaging and

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creative to RDNO this summer for a wrap on some industrial bear-proof garbage cans along the trail in the Vernon area, she added.

“THAT the Executive Director’s Report, dated Nov. 29, 2017, be received.” CARRIED

7.2 Water Stewardship Director Report

Mr. Jatel provided an update on last month’s council meeting and presentations by Ag Canada’s Denise Neilsen on the impacts of climate change on crops. Scott Boswell also presented on Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program projects including one on habitat corridors, and Mr. Littley gave an update on the OBWB’s mussel policy efforts. The Dec. 14 meeting will include a presentation by Francis Zwiers of the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium, Scott Smith with Ag Canada, and Brian Guy, formerly with Associated Engineering.

A constructed wetlands workshop was held on Nov. 20. The Okanagan Wetland Project team is also working on a guidebook for local government. This will become part of the tools that OBWB’s Policy and Planning Specialist Kellie Garcia will be promoting.

“THAT the Water Stewardship Director’s report, dated Nov. 28, 2017, be received.” CARRIED

7.3 Operations and Grants Manager Report

The OBWB’s five-year environmental permit for milfoil treatment program ends in 2018. Staff are now working with GIS contractors to submit a new application for permits, said Mr. Littley.

The board requested and was provided with a draft letter to the federal government regarding invasive mussels. This was a follow-up to a June meeting in Ottawa between directors and senior government staff. The board provided some feedback. The letter will be revised and once approved by the chair will be sent out.

There was discussion about sending a letter to the Invasive Species Council of BC to clarify the efforts of the Water Board on the mussel issue and encourage continued collaboration. Dr. Sears noted that she spoke with the Fraser Basin Council and explained the risks and offered to have OBWB staff talk with their board to provide more information.

“THAT the Okanagan Basin Water Board send a letter to the Invasive Species Council of BC to clarify the Water Board’s efforts on the invasive mussel issue and welcome continued collaboration.” CARRIED

The board was told that staff have sent the recently updated changes to the Water Board’s Sewerage Facilities Grants Program to local governments, reminding them that funding is available. There was some discussion about the policy of only funding projects that comply with the 1 ha. policy, where the community has zoning policies or bylaws that prohibit the creation of lots smaller than 1 ha. that are not serviced by community sewers. Following discussion, there was general agreement that it was appropriate policy.

“THAT the Operations and Grants Manager’s Report, dated Nov. 28, 2017, be received.” CARRIED 7.4 Communications Director Report

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Ms. Jackson reported on a Destination BC working group planning session she attended, to help develop a 10-year Okanagan valley destination development strategy. The meeting allowed an opportunity to ensure the need for water protection was addressed. Referring to earlier mention of Rail Trail signage, she added that there was discussion about using signage as a method to educate tourists on such issues.

The OBWB has been approved for funding through the UN Association in Canada’s Green Corp program to help with the cost of a Communications and Outreach contract position. Pre- interviews will begin next week.

Ms. Jackson also provided updates on work with the Water Stewardship Council’s Communications Committee, the OBWB-Canada Water Resources Assoc. Environmental Flow Needs conference in Oct. 2018, and the recent Water Board-sponsored Building Sustainable Communities Conference.

“THAT the Communications Director’s Report, dated Nov. 29, 2017, be received.” CARRIED

8. CORRESPONDENCE 8.1 Letter from B.C. Min. of Environment and Climate Change Strategy George Heyman to OBWB re: Water Board introduction to new government

8.2 Letter from Federal Min. of Fisheries and Oceans Domenic LeBlanc and Min. of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale to MPs Mel Arnold and Dan Albas re: invasive mussels

“THAT the correspondence from B.C. Min. of Environment and Climate Change Strategy George Heyman to OBWB re: Water Board introduction to new government be received.” CARRIED

“THAT the correspondence from Federal Min. of Fisheries and Oceans Domenic LeBlanc and Min. of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale to MPs Mel Arnold and Dan Albas re: invasive mussels and forwarded to OBWB be received.” CARRIED

9. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Okanagan Basin Water Board will be Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at the Regional District of Central Okanagan.

10. ADJOURNMENT

“THAT there being no further business, the regular meeting of the Okanagan Basin Water Board of December 5, 2017 be adjourned at 1 p.m.” CARRIED Certified Correct:

Chair Executive Director

M E M O R A N D U M Okanagan Basin Water Board Regular meeting February 6, 2018 Agenda No: 8.1

File No. 0550.04 To: OBWB Directors From: Anna Warwick Sears Date: January 31, 2018 Subject: Executive Director Report

Changes to Board of Directors and Board Election The first item on the agenda is the election or re-election of Chair and Vice-Chair for the OBWB. Please reach out to your fellow directors to discuss nominations before the meeting. We’ll have ballots prepared if there is more than one nomination for either position. For 2018, Directors are:

RDNO: Juliette Cunningham, Doug Dirk, Rick Fairbairn (alternates: Bob Fleming, Jim Garlick, Mike Macnabb).

RDCO: Doug Findlater, Tracy Gray, Cindy Fortin (alternates: James Baker, Wayne Carson, Patty Hanson).

RDOS: Sue McKortoff, Ron Hovanes, Peter Waterman (alternates: Mark Pendergraft, Tom Siddon, Toni Boot).

Water Management Appointments: Lisa Wilson - Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA), Toby Pike - Water Supply Association of BC, Brian Guy – Okanagan Water Stewardship Council (alternate: Denise Neilsen).

Okanagan Floodplain Mapping Things have developed rapidly in local efforts to get floodplain mapping underway. RDCO hosted a meeting on January 17, with staff from Okanagan local governments, the ONA, Westbank First Nation, and the province. At that meeting, all agreed to move forward with a collaborative effort to secure the LiDAR imagery (detailed topographic mapping by specially-equipped airplanes) – essential data needed for the mapping (see attached map, 8.1.1).

Flood-prone valley areas should ideally be flown at low-water, leaves-off and snow-free conditions in late March, so that is what we are targeting. If it is not possible to do the flights in March because of funding approvals or other issues, we hope to do them in October, the second-best low-water, snow- free month. EMBC is seeking funding to do LiDAR for the remainder of the watershed in July, along with high-resolution orthophotos to help with the mapping. The OBWB is in the best position to be the project lead, managing the funding and holding the contract, but we would need to establish an MOU with the province, and funding agreements with the local governments. We are posting an RFP on February 1, with the outcome pending OBWB board approval and grant funding approvals.

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Provincial Flood Response Reviews At our December 2017 meeting, directors asked for an update on the provincial review of 2017 flood and fire response. There are two separate reviews. The first was a review on Okanagan lake level management and flood response, by FLNRORD (now completed). The second review (by Abbott and Chapman) is a province-wide public enquiry of flood and fire response (see press release here). I have been told that the OBWB is on the list to be interviewed for this second review, but have not been contacted directly, and I believe that it is still in process.

The first review has not yet been released, and the FLNRO manager in charge of this file says that it could be considered in the Abbott/Chapman enquiry, and that may affect the timing of the release. The intention is to make the Okanagan review public, as soon as possible.

BC Water Portal A number of Okanagan local governments have received letters this week from consultants at Foundry Spatial, and Dave Wilford, a manager with FLNRORD in Smithers. They have developed a water data portal for Northern BC, and are now rolling it out across the southern portions of the province. Their letter expresses desire to build relationships with “local and regional governments, community groups, industry, other groups or organizations that collect environmental monitoring data – streamflow and surface water levels, groundwater levels, water quality and climate.” They have not yet been in touch with us, and while we feel there is some potential in this initiative, we are still trying to learn about the added-value it provides.

Interns In 2017, we received funding from Agriculture Canada to hire an intern to work on our Water Demand Model, which helps communities estimate water needs when there are changes in land use and climate. Alison Thorpe worked for us for almost seven months in this position, and has now accepted a contract with the City of Kelowna. We have already re-applied to Agriculture Canada for a second internship for 2018, to continue to work on the project.

We have also been awarded a second internship grant from the United Nations Association of Canada’s Green Corps program, to hire the seasonal outreach person for Okanagan WaterWise. Jocelyn Whalen will be joining our staff in mid-February, and will be with us until early September.

Water Management Program Review Update Work has begun on the review of the OBWB’s Water Management Program. I plan to have a completed draft for review at our May 2018 meeting, and I hope to have specific sections available in March and April, as well. The final, formatted version will be ready for approval at our June 5th meeting, and I have already scheduled presentations at RDOS (June 7th), RDNO (June 20th) and RDCO (July 19th). The review will include recommendations for changes to the program, as well as financial reviews and projections.

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Weather Report The Mission Creek and Brenda Mines snow pillows have mostly tracked the historical averages for snow-water, but were boosted by all the January precipitation. It’s interesting to compare this year’s snow (blue line) with last year’s snow (green line). In 2017, many water managers were concerned we were going into a drought year (in fact, we had both flood and drought).

Mission Creek Snow Pillow – January 29, 2018 (Elevation 1794m)

Brenda Mines Snow Pillow – January 29, 2018 (Elevation 1,453 m)

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The most recent BC River Forecast Centre bulletin suggests this is an average winter for snow across the province. On January 15, 2018, the Okanagan snowpack was estimated at 97% of average.

NOAA continues to predict moderate below normal temperatures through April 2018 (Map 1, below). They also forecast above normal precipitation (Map 2, below), consistent with ongoing La Niña conditions. During La Niña, B.C. is typically colder and wetter than normal.

Map 1. Temperature Probability

Map 2. Precipitation Probability

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Long-term Changes in Snowpack The province has information on their website (http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/soe/indicators/climate- change/snow.html) about the long-term trends for snowpack in B.C. This has a number of implications, given that most of our storage and water management structures were built mid-20th Century. The assessment was conducted by the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium using data from the Province of British Columbia. I have copied the text and graphs below.

Change in Snowpack in B.C. (1950-2014)

Snow accumulation and its characteristics are the result of air temperature, precipitation, storm frequency, wind and the amount of moisture in the air. Changes in these and other climate properties can therefore affect snowpack. This indicator measures changes in snow depth and changes in snow water content—also called snow water equivalent, the amount of water that is contained in the snowpack. Results are provided for each of the nine terrestrial ecoprovinces in British Columbia.

 Snow depth and the water content of snow both significantly decreased in three of B.C.'s ecoprovinces. Snow depth and snow water content decreased at a rate of 11 and 7 percent per decade in the Southern Interior, 10 and 5 percent per decade in the Central Interior, and 7 and 5 percent per decade in the Southern Interior Mountains. In addition, snow depth decreased by 6 percent per decade in the Georgia Depression with no observed change in snow water content.  Trends in snow depth and snow water content are not uniform across B.C. No significant trends were detected in snow depth or water content of snow in the the Northern Boreal Mountains, Taiga Plains, Boreal Plains, Sub-Boreal Interior and Coast and Mountain ecoprovinces.  Snow density overall has increased in four ecoprovinces. Together, snow depth and snow water content provide information about snow density. Snow depth decreased at a faster rate than the water content of snow in three ecoprovinces (Southern Interior, Central Interior and Southern Interior Mountains), and snow depth decreased in the Georgia Depression while the water content of snow showed no change. In general, density increases when snow water content increases for the same volume of snow, or as depth decreases while snow water content remains constant.  Winter warming is the most likely cause of increasing snow density. As winter temperatures warm, more winter precipitation is likely to fall as heavy "wet" snow. Rain or sleet may compact snow already on the ground, and warmer air temperatures can cause snow already on the ground to melt onto itself.

Why Is Snowpack Important? Snow acts as a temporary storage system for winter precipitation.

When snow melts the water becomes available to fill reservoirs and rivers, recharge groundwater aquifers and replenish soil moisture.

Changes in snowpack affect the amount of water that is stored over the winter and released in the spring and summer.

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Observed Change in Snow Depth in B.C. (1950-2014)

Snow depth has decreased in 4 ecoprovinces during the last century.

Observed Change in Snow Water Equivalent in B.C. (1950-2014)

Snow water content has decreased in 3 ecoprovinces during the last century.

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M E M O R A N D U M Okanagan Basin Water Board Regular meeting February 06, 2018 Agenda No: 8.2 File No. 0550.04 To: Board of Directors From: Nelson R. Jatel Date: January 31, 2018 Subject: Water Stewardship Director’s Report

January Council meeting The council heard from two speakers at January’s regular Okanagan Water Stewardship Council (WSC) meeting. Mr. Neil Fletcher, Wetland Manager with the BC Wildlife Federation presented on a B.C. wetland policy. Dr. Brian Guy, Canadian Water Resource Association member and Council chair, presented a case study on climate change: corporate responsibility and leadership. The Council’s standing nomination committee reported on a productive meeting held prior to the Council meeting where members discussed Council membership, reviewed current membership attendance, and provided the Water Stewardship Director with recommendations for the next Council term. Ms. Garcia led a working session on the Okanagan Water Sustainability Strategy 2.0. The next Council meeting will be held at the KLO Library Management Building from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. on February 8, 2018. All Board members are invited and encouraged to attend.

Council Membership Renewal April 2018 marks the end of the current 18 month term for the WSC. The Council is a broad-based advisory body, representing a range of water stakeholder groups and local sources of technical expertise. Member organizations are presented to staff and approved by the Board. The new Council term will be May 2018 – October 2019.

Background The Council’s mission is to be a trusted source of expertise and knowledge for sustainable water management in the Okanagan, providing balanced and considered advice to the Okanagan Basin Water Board – and through them to the community at large. The Council draws upon its members’ diverse range of knowledge and experience to develop the recommendations and implement the actions needed to achieve the vision.

The Council was established by the Okanagan Basin Water Board as an advisory body and communication channel to water stakeholder communities throughout the Okanagan. The Council provides independent advice supporting sustainable water management in the Okanagan, using its collective expertise to identify basin-wide water issues and develop workable solutions that reflect the best available science, innovative policy, and consensus approaches. The Council recommends

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only those actions that can be undertaken within the bounds of the OBWB mandate. In addition to its role as an advisory body, the Council will develop programs that contribute to the local knowledge base and provide stewardship tools for the watershed community, as well as provide ad hoc technical advice on Board projects.

Recommended Motion That the attached Appendix 1. Water Stewardship Council Proposed Membership List be approved for a term of 18 months (May 2018 – October 2019).

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Appendix 1. Proposed Term 8 Water Stewardship Council invitation list (May 2018 – October 2019)

Proposed Term 8 Council members

1 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 2 Denise Neilsen (emerita) 3 Engineers and Geoscientists BC 4 BC Agriculture Council 5 BC Cattlemen’s Association 6 BC Fruit Growers Association 7 BC Groundwater Association 8 BC Water Supply Association 9 BCWF – Okanagan Region 8 10 Canadian Water Resources Association 11 City of Kelowna 12 City of Vernon 13 Environment and Climate Change Canada 14 Fisheries and Oceans Canada 15 Interior Health 16 Ministry of Agriculture 17 Ministry of FLNRO - Resource Management / Okanagan Shuswap Natural Resource Operations 18 Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program (OCCP) 19 Okanagan College 20 Regional District of Central Okanagan 21 Regional District of North Okanagan 22 Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen 23 Shuswap Okanagan Forestry Association 24 University of British Columbia – Okanagan 25 Irrigation Council of BC 26 Okanagan Nation Alliance 27 Osoyoos Indian Band 28 Penticton Indian Band 29 Westbank First Nations 30 Okanagan Indian Band 31 Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

Colour code: Invited new members

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M E M O R A N D U M Okanagan Basin Water Board Regular meeting February 06, 2018 AgendaFile No No.: 8.3 0550.04

File No. 0550.04 To: OBWB Directors From: James Littley Date: January 30, 2018 Subject: Operations and Grants Manager Report

Milfoil Control Program Update On January 26th, the milfoil crew and I met with the company that is building our new milfoil rototiller, Multi Power Products of Kelowna. We went over the final schematics, and saw the machine in progress in their plant (photos below). Multi-Power expects to be complete before April 1st, and we will take possession around that time.

Two rototillers and the shallow-water cultivator continue to work in the Kelowna area around public beaches. One machine is currently being repaired, but will move to Kalamalka Lake once the repairs are done and Greater Vernon Water says it’s okay to work near their intake. Winter work is now complete in Wood Lake, West Kelowna, and the north end of Okanagan Lake. Further work may be done in Osoyoos Lake once the water level is sufficient to re-launch our machine. We are also making progress on the Vaseux Lake request for milfoil control as ONA and the Osoyoos Indian Band continue work to identify issues and concerns specific to the interests of the Okanagan Nation which will inform the potential operations of milfoil removal equipment in Vaseux Lake. Issues or concerns may relate to:

- Fisheries - Habitat - Water quality - Cultural/archeological sites - Any other subject of interest to the Okanagan Nation which may be affected by milfoil removal Operations

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Photo 1 – The milfoil crew inspects the new rototiller at Multi Power Products manufacturing facility in Kelowna. Invasive Mussel Update On January 11th, I gave a presentation on invasive mussels to the Fraser Basin Council Operations Committee. The presentation was well-received, and the FBC directors stated that they would like to work with us to increase awareness and advocate for strong prevention. FBC staff followed up, and we will have a call to discuss next steps later this week. I will report to the board on the outcome of this conversation at the board meeting.

Dir. Findlater also forwarded a response from the B.C. Minister of Environment to a letter sent by the City of West Kelowna regarding mussels. I have pasted the letter below for information. We have yet to hear back from the Minister from our Action items sent on October 20th.

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17 Reference: 313485

January 25, 2018

His Worship Mayor Doug Findlater

and Councillors

District of West Kelowna

Email: [email protected]

Dear Mayor Findlater and Council:

Thank you for your letter of December 7, 2017, regarding the prevention of the spread of invasive mussels to British Columbia.

I appreciate your concerns about the threat of zebra and quagga mussels and your constructive suggestions on how to mitigate this threat. I want you to know that the protection of our water resources is very important to my ministry and our government. We recognize the risk and potential cost and are looking at how we can deploy additional effective resources in 2018 to augment our prevention and protection activities. I assure you we will continue to take your comments into consideration as we implement and improve the Invasive Mussel Defence Program in the future.

For the 2017 season, just over 35,500 watercraft were inspected across all the inspection stations and the crews interacted with over 73,000 people to promote the message of “Clean, Drain, Dry” and awareness about invasive mussels and other aquatic invasive species. Of the total watercraft inspected, 25 were confirmed to have adult invasive mussels. The program received advanced notification on 20 of the 25 mussel fouled boats either from another jurisdiction (for example, Alberta, Manitoba, Idaho, Washington) or by Canada Border Services Agents (CBSA).

With regard to monitoring our borders, the program is working directly with the CBSA to receive notifications of watercraft at the southern border crossings This includes 24 hour coverage along several of the southern border crossings and the program receives notification for all types of watercraft including canoes, kayaks and river rafts. For the 2017 season, the program received, responded and followed up on 315 notifications from the CBSA. In addition, inspectors responded to watercraft flagged by Canadian and United States partner agencies. The program works very closely with the Alberta watercraft inspection program. Finally, it is important to note that Washington, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, California, Nevada, Arizona, and Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan all run inspection programs and those jurisdictions immediately notify the BC government if they intercept a suspect boat that is bound for our province.

The program also works directly with the BC Conservation Officer Service. For the 2017 season, Conservation Officers issued a total of 59 tickets and 86 warnings to motorists for failing to stop at the inspection stations. Watercraft operators who fail to stop at an inspection station were reported to the Report All Poachers and Polluters or RAPP hotline and full time Conservation Officers were responding and following up. The province will continue to explore ways to strengthen enforcement at inspection stations.

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18 In June 2016, BC signed the Western Canada Invasive Species Agreement, partnering with Alberta, Yukon, Manitoba and Saskatchewan in a coordinated regional defence with an initial focus against quagga and zebra mussels. In addition, senior program staff actively participate on the National Aquatic Invasive Species Committee to address aquatic invasive species priorities, including a coordinated national approach to invasive mussel prevention. Through this national committee, research is currently being done to assess floatplanes as a potential pathway for transporting ‘aquatic hitchhikers’ such as invasive mussels.

With regard to outreach and education, at the cross-border level, BC works directly with the western provinces and states to ensure consistent messaging, such as “Clean, Drain, Dry”, is going out to the boating community. The program is also working directly with Transport Canada to integrate the “Clean, Drain, Dry” message into boater safety materials. At the provincial level, the program works directly the non-governmental community including the Invasive Species Council of BC and regional invasive species groups on outreach and education messaging. Since 2015, information on the watercraft inspection program and “Clean, Drain, Dry” has been included in the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis. Through ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, invasive species messages were displayed again in the summer of 2017 on overhead highway reader board signs throughout the province. The message being displayed was “Stop Aquatic Invasive Species, Clean, Drain, Dry Your Watercraft” to educate the traveling public about aquatic invasive species prevention.

Outreach and education remains a top priority for the Invasive Mussel Defence Program and moving into 2018, the program will continue outreach, media, and awareness opportunities through new and existing partnerships.

The program also has several ongoing invasive mussel research projects with partners from the University of Alberta, University of British Columbia and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. These projects are also working with researchers from other jurisdictions including Manitoba. Furthermore, as a partner in the Columbia River Basin Interagency Invasive Species Response Plan, BC is collaborating with Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and United States federal agencies in the prevention of zebra and quagga mussel introduction, including rapid response exercises and early detection lake monitoring.

You may also be interested to know that the province is assessing different program funding methods being used by other jurisdictions and how that may be applied in BC. There are several factors that need to be carefully reviewed when considering different funding models. For example, watercraft registration is administered at the federal level by Transport Canada, which currently prevents the ability to administer a user fee on watercraft registration at the provincial level. The province will continue to explore all options with respect to different funding approaches.

Thank you again for writing and sharing your concerns about this important issue for all British Columbians.

Sincerely,

George Heyman

Minister

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19 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 3Z4 P 250.469.6270 F 250.762.7011 www.obwb.ca

Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P. Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Youth

Hon. Ralph Goodale, P.C., M.P. Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P. Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Hon. Catherine McKenna, P.C., M.P. Minister of Environment and Climate Change

January 30, 2018

Re: Urgent need for federal action to prevent invasive mussels from spreading within the Pacific Northwest

Dear Prime Minister and Ministers,

We wish to again express our gratitude to Burnaby North – Seymour MP Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Kelowna - Lake Country MP Stephen Fuhr, Nicholas Winfield, Director General Ecosystem Management for DFO and Ashraf Amlani, DFO Special Assistant for the Pacific North Coast for meeting with our chair and board directors in June 2017 in Ottawa. We have attached our original briefing note from that meeting below.

We were also pleased that DFO staff participated in the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Invasive Species Working Group in July 2017, to coordinate federal, provincial and international efforts to stop the spread of invasive mussels.

While we recognize your government’s enhanced engagement on this issue, we remain concerned that another boating season has gone by and there have been no new steps federally, or by way of assistance to the provinces, to contain invasive mussels or to prevent the further spread of invasive mussels in Canada, specifically to Western Canada and our region in British Columbia. We note that the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans sent correspondence in October, 2017 to Okanagan MP’s Mel Arnold and Dan Albas that “Budget 2017 provided $43.8 million over five years to continue and expand programming for aquatic invasive species.” We understand this funding is for the prevention of all aquatic invasive species, both in fresh water and marine environments, across Canada. Assuming that the money is distributed evenly, only $1.46 million per region, per year, was allocated in Budget 2017. For context, the Province of B.C., with partner funding from power companies and the Columbia Basin Trust spent $4.45 million in 2017 for invasive mussel prevention alone, and much more protection is needed to avert a very costly infestation. We ask how this $43.8 million is being distributed to contain or prevent the spread of invasive mussels, what occurred in 2017, and what the plans are for 2018-2021. Is the distribution occurring by region, or by invasive species type and who is overseeing this?

In other correspondence from the federal Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to MPs Mel Arnold and Dan Albas, we note that “CBSA is co-operating with BC Ministry of Environment

20 conservation officers and has allowed temporary inspection and education stations to be set up near land border ports of entry in the Okanagan and Kootenay District.” This effort should be extended across western Canada so CBSA officers at all land ports of entry are starting the inspection process, identifying high-risk watercraft and ensuring that none of these enter Canadian waters without an appropriate inspection, decontamination and quarantine if necessary. More training for CBSA officers is needed, and watercraft inspections should be a mandatory function, rather than a discretionary function in all cases. As stated in earlier correspondence and at our June meeting with you, the threats and costs are too high. According to PNWER, the economic impact would be $500 million annually to the Pacific Northwest. Statistics should also be gathered regarding origin and destination of watercraft, and how many are considered high-risk. This information gathering will help inform management decisions in the future.

We ask that you work with the provinces to amend regulations to help prevent the further spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). One example is changing the air transport regulations with regard to aquatic aircraft, such as float planes and water bombers to prevent the spread of AIS from one water body to another. Another is the regulatory approval of substances which could aid in a rapid response to control or eradicate invasive species. We also ask for the inclusion of AIS and Clean, Drain, Dry awareness in the education and testing requirements to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card.

We also respectfully request an update on the following recommendations from our June 2017 meeting:

1. Minister to allocate targeted funding to match provincial spending toward improved invasive mussel education, containment and prevention regimes for summer 2017 – now summer 2018.

2. Minister to meet with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) as soon as possible to enhance the protection of federally-controlled lands, waterways, and ports of entry (border crossings) by developing a joint work plan and actions to ensure enforcement of the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations by both DFO fisheries officers and CBSA agents through the use of mandatory watercraft inspections.

3. To confirm ongoing participation in the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Invasive Species Working Group to coordinate federal, provincial and international efforts to stop the spread of invasive mussels.

We look forward to your response, helping prevent the costly spread of invasive mussels into Western provinces and the Okanagan.

Yours sincerely,

Tracy Gray, Chair Okanagan Basin Water Board

CC: • Okanagan MPs: Stephen Fuhr, Dan Albas, Mel Arnold, Richard Cannings; • Federal Critics: Pierre Paul-Hus; Todd Doherty, Hon Ed Fast; • Okanagan MLAs: Steve Thomson, Norm Letnick, Eric Foster, Dan Ashton, Linda Larson, Jackie Tegart, Greg Kyllo; • Regional District Chairs for North Okanagan, Central Okanagan, and Okanagan-Similkameen;

2 21 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 3Z4 P 250.469.6270 F 250.762.7011 www.obwb.ca

• Okanagan Municipalities; • Chiefs Executive Council, Okanagan Nation Alliance; • Matt Morrison, Chief Executive Officer, Pacific NorthWest Economic Region; • Gail Wallin, Executive Director, Invasive Species Council of B.C.

22 BRIEFING NOTE FOR MINISTER OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS AND THE CANADIAN COAST GUARD

MEETING WITH THE OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD (OBWB) REGARDING PREVENTION OF INVASIVE MUSSEL INTRODUCTIONS TO UNINFESTED REGIONS IN CANADA Decision Sought

SUMMARY • Meeting with OBWB Chair Tracy Gray (Councillor City of Kelowna, Director Regional District of Central Okanagan), Vice-Chair Juliette Cunningham (Councillor City of Vernon, Director Regional District of North Okanagan), Director (Past Chair) Doug Findlater (Mayor City of West Kelowna, Director Regional District of Central Okanagan), Director Peter Waterman (Mayor District of Summerland, Director Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen) (Annex A has background on the Water Board), June 1, 2017.

• The purpose of this meeting is to discuss increased federal action to prevent the spread of invasive zebra and quagga mussels into Western Canada, B.C. and the Okanagan specifically (refer to Annex B for a map of current invasive mussel distribution).

• Recent mussel invasions into Montana (October 2016) make this an urgent matter that must be addressed prior to and during this boating season (May-October 2017). The OBWB recommends that the Minister provide funding to improve communications, strengthen protections, and direct his staff to engage in the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Invasive Species Working Group.

BACKGROUND Invasive zebra and quagga mussels, first introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1980’s substantially alter aquatic food webs. Invasive mussels have recently been detected in water bodies in Montana (October 2016), and in Manitoba (including Lake Winnipeg in 2013 and Cedar Lake in 2016) (see Annex B for current distribution).

Current federal regulations (Aquatic Invasive Species Regulation, 2015) prohibit the importation, possession, transportation and release of these mussels in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

CONSIDERATIONS Mussel infestations negatively affect municipal water, hydropower, and agriculture irrigation systems by clogging water intake and distribution pipes; negatively impact tourism and recreation; foul bridges and boats; increase volumes of aquatic weeds along lake shorelines and create toxic algae blooms, putting drinking water at risk. As noted above, mussel infestations also substantially alter the aquatic ecosystem and aquatic food webs. These mussels have also been identified as a threat to B.C.’s endangered Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel by Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (2010).

The economic impact of invasive mussels to municipal, hydroelectric, industrial and agricultural facilities, fisheries (commercial, recreational and Indigenous), tourism and property values has been estimated to be at least $42 million per year in the Okanagan alone, and $500 million annually in the Pacific Northwest. The annual cost on the Great Lakes to control zebra mussels in water intakes alone is $250 million.

Western provinces have allocated funding and resources to prevent the spread of invasive mussels through watercraft inspection, water sampling, emergency response plans and public education. Current provincial programs for preventing the spread of invasive mussels have seen significant improvements in the last few years. The last significant action by the federal government was the 2015 change to the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulation, and the recent Parks Canada ban of motorized watercraft from entering Waterton Lakes National Park to address the spread of invasive mussels from Montana (for more Background see Annex A).

2 23 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 3Z4 P 250.469.6270 F 250.762.7011 www.obwb.ca

The 2017-18 Departmental Plan for Fisheries and Oceans Canada states that “Efforts will continue on a national approach to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in Canada, which will help protect ecosystems and fish stocks.” Further, it says “Sustainability and ongoing productivity of commercial, recreational and Aboriginal fisheries is best achieved when partners and stakeholders with a common interest work together to conserve and protect fish and fish habitat.”

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Minister to allocate targeted funding to match provincial spending toward improved invasive mussel education, containment and prevention regimes for summer 2017.

3. Minister to appoint senior Department staff to participate in the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Invasive Species Working Group to coordinate federal, provincial and international efforts to stop the spread of invasive mussels.

4. OBWB requests a response letter as soon as possible that outlines the Minister’s decision and actions on the recommendations to prevent the further spread of invasive mussels in Canada.

24 Annex A

OKANAGAN BASIN WATER BOARD

The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is a unique local government agency in the central interior of B.C., located on the trans-boundary waters of the Okanagan River, which feeds into the Columbia River. The Okanagan watershed is almost 200 km in length, covering 8,000 km2 in area and over 40,000 ha of lake surface area. The OBWB serves three regional districts, 11 municipalities, and five of the member bands of the Okanagan Nation. The Okanagan Valley is home to more than 340,000 residents and the fastest growing metropolitan area in B.C.

The OBWB’s mission is to provide leadership to protect and enhance quality of life in the Okanagan Basin through sustainable water management. Part of our mandate is to define water problems and priorities, the economic feasibility of solutions, responsibility, necessary legislation and required action.

Since 2012, the OBWB has been a vocal advocate of enhancing invasive mussel prevention, as the Okanagan is at very high risk for invasion based on water chemistry, temperature and other conditions. The Okanagan River is the most productive Sockeye salmon spawning habitat in the Columbia system, accounting for 80% of the total population. The Okanagan River is the focus of major restoration and fisheries improvement work by the Okanagan Nation Alliance, to which the species is of critical importance for cultural, food and spiritual purposes.

In December 2016, the OBWB called for action from several federal government ministries to increase training and funding for Canada Border Services Agency, increase funding for containment to provinces that are already mussel- infested (Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba), increase funding to mussel-free provinces for prevention, and for a commitment to research and education for prevention, containment, control and eradication methods. We also asked that senior public servants in several ministries be assigned to participate in forums such as the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region’s Invasive Species Working Group to demonstrate that the federal government takes this issue seriously.

The OBWB also has a 40 year history of controlling invasive milfoil in the valley, at a direct cost to residents of over $650,000 annually. The cost of managing our infrastructure, losses in the tourism and agriculture industries, and ecological losses from an infestation of mussels would be disastrous.

2 25 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 3Z4 P 250.469.6270 F 250.762.7011 www.obwb.ca

Annex B

CURRENT INVASIVE MUSSEL DISTRIBUTION IN NORTH AMERICA

26 Board of Directors Invasive Species Council of British Columbia #100 – 197 North Second Avenue Williams Lake, B.C. V2G 1Z5

January 30, 2018

Cooperation to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species into B.C.

Dear ISCBC Directors,

The Okanagan Basin Water Board wishes to express our thanks for the ongoing work of ISCBC, particularly in preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels. Our staff have participated in several forums, led by ISCBC over the past seven years, and have worked to coordinate efforts, adopting the Clean, Drain, Dry message as part of our Don’t Move A Mussel public awareness campaign, collaborating on calls to action from the province and federal government, and participating in forums such as the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region Invasive Species Working Group.

The Okanagan Basin Water Board’s mission is to provide leadership to protect and enhance quality of life in the Okanagan watershed through sustainable water management. As part of that mission, we define water problems and priorities, look at the economic feasibility of solutions, and identify responsibility, necessary legislation and required action. Throughout most of our 50 year history, we have worked to control the spread and growth of invasive aquatic Eurasian water milfoil in major lakes throughout the Okanagan Basin. As an agency that bears this responsibility and these costs, we recognize the importance of preventing the devastating effects of new aquatic invasive species.

We have chosen to take a two-pronged approach to our work on invasive mussels. The first is the Don’t Move A Mussel (www.DontMoveAMussel.ca) campaign, mentioned earlier. Over the last five years, OBWB has mounted a public education campaign worth approximately $750,000, with over $220,000 in OBWB funding from local tax dollars, matched by in-kind contributions from the local media and business community. We have been informing the public, boaters, the marine industry, professional bodies, local governments and interest groups about the risk posed by invasive mussels. The OBWB has also provided $140,000 in funding between 2013 and 2017 to the Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society to assist with direct boater outreach and water monitoring. These figures do not include OBWB staff time or reflect the many hours spent by our board of directors.

The second aspect of our invasive mussel prevention work is our advocacy with the two levels of government which has included calls for new regulations, more funding, program improvements, more outreach, more research, etc. These advocacy efforts have always been informed through forums such as those hosted by ISCBC, PNWER and through discussions with provincial and federal staff, including the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.

27 We have also held meetings with local MLAs, MPs and ministers, including a June 2017 meeting in Ottawa between OBWB Directors and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and several of his senior staff. We are in a unique position where we do not receive our funding from governments, but from local taxes. As an independent body whose board is comprised mostly of local elected officials who work closely with political decision makers at all levels of government, we have the ability to advocate and lobby governments with legislation recommendations and to provide funding to other levels of government and to organizations.

While we have been working to fill the toolbox with as many tools as possible for invasive mussel prevention, we have also been looking at other ways to make things better. We know from our long history of addressing milfoil that preventing an AIS infestation takes much less work than dealing with the effects once they arrive. We also recognize that once an infestation takes hold, local taxpayers, local governments, water suppliers, farmers and industry will bear the long-term costs.

We look forward to further cooperation between OBWB and ISCBC in order to prevent new AIS from entering our waters.

Sincerely,

Tracy Gray, Chair Okanagan Basin Water Board

28 M E M O R A N D U M Okanagan Basin Water Board Regular meeting February 6, 2018 Agenda No: 8.4

File No. 0550.04 To: OBWB Directors From: Corinne Jackson Date: January 31, 2018 Subject: Communications Director Report

UN Associaton of Canada – Green Corps Program (GCP) Partnership We have completed the hiring process for our 2018 Okanagan WaterWise Communications and Outreach Coordinator. Jocelyn Whalen will be joining us on Feb. 15, and thanks to a partnership with the GCP, she will be with us until mid-September. Her work will include developing outreach materials, and organizing and attending outreach events that promote water protection and conservation in our valley.

River Film Distribution Copies of “A River Film” have now arrived. A distribution plan has been developed and I am now reaching out to Okanagan school districts, Okanagan College and UBC-Okanagan and Vancouver, Okanagan Regional Library (ORL), museums, and others. There has been great interest in the film. Several copies have now been delivered to ORL for distribution. To put a hold on a copy, visit https://orl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/377619111.

We have had a number of requests from groups who are interested in showing it to their membership. Copies are also being made available for this purpose.

(Left) Okanagan Regional Library’s Acquisition Clerk Danielle Scrafton prepares copies of “A River Film” for distribution to valley branches.

180206_CD Report_Memo

29 Invasive Mussel Outreach to Professionals In October, following up on a Water Stewardship Council recommendation, I made phone calls and sent letters to several professional organizations that work in and around fresh water in B.C., asking that they disseminate information to their membership regarding best practices to keep invasive zebra and quagga mussels out of our waters. We provided a letter, but others requested an article for publication. The following was submitted to the Environment Operators Certification Program and was published a few weeks ago. I will be following up with the other organizations later this week.

Other Communication Initiatives: Final reports for Make Water Work and Don’t Move A Mussel are being completed and will be provided to the Board at the upcoming meeting for discussion.

We have been contacted by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce about our mussel outreach efforts as they begin something similar in their province. We have also been contacted by the Shuswap Watershed Council about mussel outreach and will be speaking with them and offering assistance.

Initial planning for Canada Water Week/UN World Water Day celebrations is underway. We have already had some early discussion with Okanagan Nation Alliance and will be partnering on a Syilx Okanagan Water Tour.

Summary of Recent Media Dec. 23 “Gov to help clean up lake,” Castanet Dec. 26 “Osoyoos council highlights - healthcare plan, flood mapping,” Castanet Jan. 11 “Don’t Move A Mussel,” Operator Digest (Environmental Operators Certification Program – BC/Yukon, Winter 2018 edition) Jan. 19 “Okanagan losing battle to preserve wetlands,” Summerland Review, Keremeos Review, Kelowna Capital News Jan. 29 “West Kelowna begins harmonization of water rates,” Lake Country Calendar

Recent Presentations Jan. 26 “Agricultural water supply communications project,” at the Pacific Agricultural Show – Kellie Garcia

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30 M E M O R A N D U M Okanagan Basin Water Board Regular meeting February 6, 2018 Agenda No: 8.5

File No. 0550.04 To: OBWB Directors From: Kellie Garcia Date: January 30, 2017 Subject: Policy and Planning Specialist Report

Planning Toolkits and Guides Project The objective of this project is to support local governments in their uptake of bylaw toolkits and planning guides designed to promote sustainable water management and land use.

The OBWB has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with CivicInfo BC for the development and long-term administration of an online hub (database) to house such toolkits and guides. We have uploaded more than 50 planning guides and bylaw toolkits to the new CivicInfo BC database (https://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/planning-guides). The database is searchable by Author, Year, Subject Area, Application, and Tool; and each document record has a brief description about what it is, why it is useful, and a link to the PDF file and HTML location.

My working group and I are currently doing a final sweep through the database to ensure the search criteria are appropriate and the documents are tagged correctly. The OBWB and CivicInfo BC will officially launch the database in early March and host a webinar for planners to introduce the new online hub, discuss its application, and talk about next steps (i.e. ongoing support to drive planners to the hub and help them use the guides and toolkits to their full potential).

Unfortunately, our funding application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Climate Adaptation Partner Grants program was unsuccessful. According to the grants manager, our proposal was “shown to be of significant merit to improving municipal resiliency to climate change; however, the abundance of excellent applications they received forced a rigorous and difficult selection process that required declining applications they nonetheless see the value in.” As a reminder, the cornerstone of the proposal was to provide direct support and training to municipalities to help mainstream water sustainability and resilience to weather extremes into their planning processes. The good news is that we now have a fully-developed project proposal that we intend to repackage for other funding opportunities.

180206_PPS Report_Memo 31 Sustainable Water Strategy The objective of this project is to update the 2008 Sustainable Water Strategy to include new research and information, address the priorities and challenges of today, and reflect changes to water legislation and regulations.

On January 11, I had a working session with the Water Stewardship Council (WSC) where I walked them through the latest guiding principles and table of contents for the strategy and received extensive feedback on both. I am now focusing chapter-by-chapter to get the strategy drafted over the next few months. The Editorial Board will be meeting monthly, and I will be collaborating with many people, from the WSC and beyond, to get the right content into the strategy. The aim is to bring a full draft to the OBWB/stewardship council joint meeting in May, but the timeline may need to be flexible to account for the challenges that can come with such a highly collaborative process.

Mainstem Drought Triggers Project The objective of this project is to prepare drought trigger guidelines for the Okanagan mainstem system that can be incorporated into local drought plans to support a rational and coordinated process for moving between watering restriction stages.

In November, the OBWB hosted a well-attended workshop to gather feedback from water purveyors on the second version of the mainstem drought trigger guidelines developed by our technical consulting team. Dr. Sears and I are currently revising the guidelines to consider feedback received at the workshop, and are aiming to provide the next draft to water suppliers in late-February.

Presentation for Horticultural Growers’ Short Course at Pacific Agriculture Show On January 26, I gave a presentation in Abbotsford at a water-related session for growers, hosted by the Lower Mainland Horticulture Improvement Association (LMHIA) together with the Pacific Agriculture Show. These short courses are long-standing and well-known in the agricultural industry; they were celebrating their 60th Anniversary this year, and their 20th year with the Pacific Agriculture Show. The LMHIA covered all of my costs to travel to and attend the event.

The water session was hosted by B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, and featured presentations on rainwater harvesting, the provincial drought response program, drought implications in agriculture, drought communications strategies, and water use reporting. I spoke about the agricultural water supply outreach project, which the OBWB piloted last year with Greater Vernon Water and the City of Penticton. There was a lot of interest in the email/text alert system and its potential applications. I am contributing to the conference proceedings so that will be another opportunity to share the knowledge and lessons learned through the pilot.

180206_PPS Report_Memo 32 Southern Interior Local SILGA Government Association ______

January 12, 2018

Honorable George Heyman Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy PO Box 9047 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9E2

Good afternoon Minister Heyman,

Re: BC Invasive Mussel Defence Program

Thank you for your letter of October 16, 2017 as a follow up from our UBCM meetings. It was gratifying to read that you understand the devastating impacts the mussel invasion will have on our BC waterways and that you are committed to further enhancing the BC Invasive Mussel Defence Program.

The start of the boating season is rapidly approaching, and SILGA would like to follow up with you on any new programs or funding your Ministry will be initiating to prevent these invasive species from crossing our borders.

We appreciate any information you are able to give us, and if there is anything that SILGA can do to help communicate with our members, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Shelley Sim

Shelley Sim President, SILGA cc: Jennifer McGuire, A/Assistant Deputy Minister, Environmental Sustainability and Strategy Policy Division, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy cc: Anna Warwick Sears, Executive Director Okanagan Basin Water Board

______PO Box 27017 Cityview PO Tel: 250-851-6653 Kamloops, BC V2E 0B2 www.silga.ca [email protected] 33 34